Class of 2016 quarterback Jarrett Guarantano was offered by Rutgers the summer
following his eighth grade year, while on an unofficial visit to the school with
his father. And as ludicrous as it may sound, the Rutgers staff had good reason
to offer the Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) standout so early.

Not only is he a 6-3, 195-pound quarterback with the tangibles to compete within the toughest conferences in college football. But he is also the son of James Guarantano, former Rutgers wide receiver and Rutgers Football Hall of Fame inductee.

He played for Rutgers from 1989-92, and left the school as
one of the most productive offensive players to ever don scarlet. At the time,
he was first all-time in receptions (158), second in receiving yards (2,065) and
third in touchdowns (11), earning the loyalty his alma mature showed him in
offering his son, Jarrett.

And for that reason, Rutgers will always receive top
consideration from the younger Guarantano.

"They know that they'll always be in my top five just
because they had so much to do with all that's happening now," said Guarantano.
"The fact that they had the trust in me and believed in me at such an early age (is special).
And the fact that my dad went there is an even bigger thing because I have a chance
to play where my dad played and wear his number."

Although Guarantano is the son of a Rutgers legend, the Rutgers
staff would not have extended him an offer if he didn't reek of potential.

Make no mistake about it, Guarantano can sling it.

"Coaches say they like my all-around game," he said. "The fact
that I'm a passer and I can run just as well (is something they find
impressive). But they like the accuracy and the arm strength that I display,
too. They also say they see my leadership when they watch my games."

Guarantano recently added to his Rutgers tender, while
taking a southern stroll to the universities of Clemson, South Carolina, Duke, North
Carolina and Virginia.

"I picked up offers from Virginia, North Carolina and
Clemson, on the trip," he mentioned.

Guarantano says he enjoyed each stop on the excursion, but had the
best times at the schools that extended offers.

"They were all pretty nice, I liked them all," he said. "But
there were a few that stood out more so than others -- the three that I mentioned
before: Clemson, Virginia and North Carolina.

"They stood out just by their campus life and how much they
really showed they wanted me to be at their schools. And just overall, their football
teams and athletic facilities were great."

Guarantano started the last four games of the 2013 season
and split time the previous five with senior Colin McGovern. He
accumulated 449 passing yards, 59 rushing yards and four total TDs in his limited
role.

Oklahoma, Tennessee, Ohio State and Notre Dame appear next in line to offer.